FOR MEMBERS OF THE TRUST MEMBERS’ NEWS July 2014

Trust welcomes wild land breakthrough

On 23 June, the Trust hailed the new Wild A sample of the Land Areas 2014 map of Scotland new Wild Land John speaking at c Lean published by Scottish Natural Heritage Areas 2014 map the Trust’s recent (SNH) and supported by the Scottish AGM and Members’ Government as a historic breakthrough in Gathering its campaign to have Scotland’s wild land recognised and protected. The map covers h: Craig Ma Craig p h: Photogra 19.5 per cent of Scotland’s land area. H eritage This recognition of the importance of wild land is underpinned by both the new John Hutchison, National Planning Framework and MBE Scottish Planning Policy documents. The

National Planning Framework 3 states: l N atura s h S c otti : We are delighted to

‘We also want to continue our strong Ma p announce that Trust protection for our wildest landscapes – chairman John wild land is a nationally important asset.’ (par 4.4) areas that make up the wild land map. It’s a huge step Hutchison has been The Scottish Planning Policy document states: forward for wild land, and marks a distinct shift from awarded an MBE in the ‘Wild land character is displayed in some of Scotland’s when the Trust first presented its petition for wild Queen’s birthday remoter upland, mountain and coastal areas, which land protection to the Scottish Parliament in 2011. honours list for are very sensitive to any form of intrusive human “SNH’s wild land map didn’t even exist 18 months services to the activity and have little or no capacity to accept new ago, so this is a tremendous achievement and a credit environment and the development. Plans should identify and safeguard the to all our staff and supporters who have driven our community in the character of areas of wild land as identified on the Wild Land Campaign,” said John Hutchison, Highlands and Islands. 2014 SNH map of wild land areas.’ (par 200) chairman of the Trust. “Of course, many of us would As many members will Stuart Brooks, Trust chief executive, commented: like it to go further, and we’re disappointed that some know, John has been “This recognition of Scotland’s wild land as a key areas have been removed from the final map, but deeply involved in the nationally important asset that needs to be safeguard- the big picture is that we have gained a good degree environment and land ed marks a historic breakthrough. The John Muir of protection for a significant percentage of Scotland reform movements in Trust has fought long and hard over many years with despite the best efforts of vested interests to under- the Highlands and the support of many thousands of people to achieve mine the map.” Islands for almost 20 official recognition for wild land and we welcome this The areas removed include a chunk of the years, particularly in commitment.” Monadhliath Mountains following the decision Eigg and . The new policy does not offer absolute protection by the Scottish Government to approve the giant Well done John on from large-scale development but the adoption of the Stronelairg wind farm (see p5). The Trust is still an honour that is map should result in more consistent decision examining this case, and also looking in more detail richly deserved. For making by planners and government, and should at the implications of the new planning policy and more details, see discourage energy companies from targeting the 42 wild land areas map. http://bit.ly/1wro7af

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Way to go The Trust’s purchase of Carreg y Saeth Isaf Trust members James has been put on hold Brownhill and Sophie Bastable became the first people to walk the entire length of the new – Scotland’s latest coast-to-coast route, which runs for 134 miles between Helensburgh and Dunbar. Supported by Trustee John Thomas, James and Sophie took six days to walk the route, arriving just in time for the way’s official opening by First Minister Alex Salmond

D L INTERN V I D on John Muir Day (21 April). A

: D : Read all about their experience at www.jmt.org/ Disappointment in Wales members-story1.asp

P H P HOTOGRA For more on the John Muir Way, visit www.johnmuirway.org A change of plan by the owner has seen the Trust reluctantly withdraw its offer to buy an area of wild land in Wales Following the Trust’s successful appeal to disappointed with this decision but remain raise funds to buy an area of wild land – committed to trying to secure the future of Carreg y Saeth Isaf – in Snowdonia, we are Carreg y Saeth Isaf if at all possible, and to sorry to report that the owner has increasing the presence of the Trust in Wales. unexpectedly decided to sell the entire farm at We may have the opportunity to make Dolwreiddiog, which includes the farmhouse another offer later this year depending on and gardens and not just the parcel of land how the sale proceeds. the Trust was negotiating to purchase. “We’d like to thank all our supporters who While we have been in discussion with the have helped us raise the agreed purchase owner since January, we have not been able price. It has been a fantastic achievement to come to an acceptable agreement. As it is and demonstrates the commitment of our a difficult property to value accurately, we members and supporters to protecting wild understand that the owner now intends to land in Wales.” put the property on the open market within For the time being, the Trust is not the next few months. accepting any new donations for Carreg y “We’re not in a position financially, nor do Saeth Isaf. If you have donated, you should we desire, to offer to purchase the farmhouse already have been contacted. If any member and grounds as well as the wild land, so we has not received this communication or is in have reluctantly withdrawn our offer,” any way concerned, please email Adam James and Sophie celebrate explained Trust chief executive Stuart Pinder at [email protected], or call the completing their journey at Brooks. “We are obviously extremely fundraising team on 0131 554 0114. the John Muir Trust stall in Dunbar on 21 April h: John T ho m a s John p h: p hotogra

Minister attends AGM and Members’ Gathering

In the centenary year of John Muir’s has since become reality, see p1). death, around 150 members headed to This year saw the Scottish Minister Dunbar – Muir’s birthplace – for the for Environment and Climate Change Trust’s AGM and Members’ Gathering speak at the Gathering for the first in May. time. Paul Wheelhouse discussed What proved to be a lively weekend what Muir’s legacy meant for the began on Friday evening with an Scottish Government, flagged the illustrated talk by nature and travel recent John Muir Festival, and c Lean photographer John Beatty. On provided a recap of the Government’s Saturday, chief executive Stuart views on the need to protect our Brooks used his presentation to call wildest places. Paul Wheelhouse, Scottish Minister for Environment on the Scottish Government to leave a We were delighted that the Minister and Climate Change, watches the Trust’s new Wild fitting legacy to John Muir by providing stayed on to hear the AGM, before ways film with Stuart Brooks

h: Craig Ma Craig p h: Photogra wild land protection (something that chatting to Trust members and staff. 03

Give something back to the places you love Support our Wild Ways Path Appeal

www.jmt.org/wildways Text MUIR14 £10 to 70070 Wild Ways path appeal

Scottish Charity No: SC002061 Company Number: SC081620. Limited by Guarantee. Registered O ce: Tower House, Station Road, The Trust’s Wild Ways path appeal has Pitlochry, PH16 5AN Photographer: Mark Hamblin/2020VISION already generated a fantastic response from members – not to mention some literary celebrity backing

In May, the Trust future through your work’. launched an appeal Among the many other for the long-term people who have shown maintenance of the their support is Trust uir tru s t m uir j ohn : The new agreement was signed by Calum path network on our member and acclaimed MacKay (left), chair of the North Harris Trust, and Mick Blunt the John Muir Trust’s properties. In the first author Robert Macfarlane, area manager for the Western Isles three weeks alone, our who commented: “Paths P H P HOTOGRA generous supporters are vital and subtle features raised more than of our landscapes. They A decade together £54,000 in one-off connect places to places, donations – a fantastic and they connect people to To celebrate their considerable response that stands people. They are – as achievements following a decade of us in good stead for Wordsworth put it – the close partnership, the John Muir Trust the priority work that Robert Macfarlane ways ‘into’ a landscape: and North Harris Trust recently signed needs to begin on leading us to encounters a new Memorandum of Understanding Skye this year. and adventures. I dedicated a book, The that will see the two organisations In particular, we’d like to thank the Old Ways, to ‘those who keep the paths continue working together to protect, Patsy Wood Trust which donated open’, and I keenly support the John Muir enhance and promote the North £10,000 to the appeal. As well as being Trust’s Wild Ways appeal.” Harris estate. an inspirational environmentalist, The Trust spends £60,000 each year on For more than 10 years, we have maverick tree planter and talented path work – that’s around 50 pence per collaborated on a vast range of seamstress, Patsy was a devoted Trust metre of path on our properties. We still projects, from establishing the popular member who walked many of the paths need plenty of help, especially monthly Harris Mountain Festival to setting up in the Trust’s care. direct debits, to enable us to plan ahead and running the only ranger service in We’ve also received many touching and keep our costs and impact the Western Isles. Not only has this notes of support for the appeal, including low. Please spread the word about our helped protect the estate’s this one from member Brian Johnston: ‘I appeal! You can learn more and donate internationally important wildlife and finished the Munros in 2008 and am now at www.jmt.org/wildways, call on 01796 habitats, but it has also greatly not able to climb the big hills, but I take 470080, or just send a cheque (payable improved facilities for visitors and the comfort in knowing that my contribution to ‘Wild Ways’) to John Muir Trust, (Wild community – efforts that have will bring the same joy and inner peace Ways Appeal), Tower House, Station generated vital additional income for that more people will experience in the Road, Pitlochry, PH16 5AN. this fragile rural economy.

Path work on film

If you’ve ever wondered what is involved in day-to-day path work on Trust properties, do take a look at Our wild ways, a new short film produced for the Trust by DX Films that offers a fascinating glimpse into this aspect of our work. The film follows Trust path officer Chris Goodman as he works in all weathers to repair and maintain paths in a way that both helps them blend into the landscape and protects the wider environment. Chris heads up the Trust’s path work which, in the

absence of public funding, depends entirely Fi lms DX : on donations, plus the input of many dedicated volunteers. Enjoy the film at Hard graft at vimeo.com/johnmuirtrust/ourwildways Sandwood P H P HOTOGRA 04 MEMBERS’ NEWS

Support for deer management findings

The Trust has welcomed recent recommendations by the Land Reform Review Group on the management of deer in Scotland

The John Muir Trust is very much in management. These include: giving agreement with a recent report by the Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Scottish Government’s Land Reform responsibility for determining the cull Review Group which concluded that levels required in the public interest there has been limited progress in within each Deer Management Group addressing deer management issues in area; and requiring land owners to Scotland, despite many years of debate. apply for consent for the number of Section 32 of the group’s report, ‘Wild deer they plan to cull, to enable SNH to deer’, recognises that ‘Scotland’s popula- identify situations where proposed culls tion of native red and roe deer are would be insufficient to protect the important national assets that should be public interest. sustainably managed in the public “The report makes clear that Scotland interest’. The report also notes that, despite has one of the least regulated deer repeated warnings by the responsible management systems in Europe and authorities, wild deer numbers have the current ‘voluntary approach’ means continued to rise for the past 50 years – a that landowners can pretty much trend that has led to a range of negative manage deer however they want, I S ION /2020V social, economic, animal welfare and regardless of environmental impacts,” environmental impacts. commented Mike Daniels, the Trust’s Among its proposals, the Land head of land and science. “We would Reform Review Group recommends urge the Scottish Government to adopt that changes be made to the current the recommendations and keenly await statutory framework governing deer its response.” s Cairn Peter p h: Photogra

Residents back wild land protection Hill tracks campaign update While the Scottish Government and Scottish Natural Heritage were finalising their draft planning documents and The Scottish Environment LINK hill tracks campaign, of which wild land map of Scotland (see story on p1), the Trust the Trust is part, has maintained pressure on the Scottish commissioned a poll of 500 people in eight constituencies Government to bring to an end the current unregulated system across the Highlands and Islands. for vehicular track construction. The campaign is keen for Our aim was to gauge the level of support for wild land Trust members to contact the Environment Minister to ask protection among the people who live and work in the when he will be making a decision and also to continue to Highlands and Islands and therefore would have the most to submit images of poor tracks under construction. These can gain or lose from whatever decisions were taken by the be sent to [email protected] and also to your MSP. More Scottish Government. information on the campaign can be found at www.scotlink. The poll, conducted by market research agency org/workareas/hill-tracks Survation, asked people for their attitude to the following: ‘The Scottish Parliament is currently discussing a proposal that Scotland’s wild land – land that is rugged and remote with a lack of visible built structures – should be given special protection from development such as large-scale wind farms. To what extent do you support or oppose these proposals?’ Excluding ‘don’t knows’, the poll shows: 53% support the proposal to protect wild land; 24% oppose the proposal for wild land protection; 23% neither support nor oppose the proposal. Since then events have moved on and the Scottish

Government has recognised and protected wild land by L IN K E n v iron m ent s h S c otti p h: Photogra A hill track showing erosion, leading to silt run-off, in and around a stream issuing a map of Wild Land Areas 2014 (see more on p1). 05

Trust extends collaboration Dismay over with conservation NGOs The Trust continues to lobby the UK Government for better strategic thinking on energy policy to help safeguard areas of wild land. To that end, we have Stronelairg decision stepped up our collaborative work with other conservation NGOs in England and Wales by taking associate membership of Wildlife and Countryside Link – a collaborative organisation with interests that span the breadth of wildlife and countryside issues. This association will help increase the Trust’s awareness of initiatives led by other organisations that may help to protect and enhance wild land, while also raising our wider profile.

The Stronelairg wind farm will

be constructed in the heart of NI C O LL the Monadhliath Mountains an M c Co m be s Al an p h: p hotogra : GRAHA M E : The Trust is hugely dismayed at the Scottish Griffin wind farm from Government’s recent decision to approve the giant Birnam Hill, with behind Stronelairg wind farm development P H P HOTOGRA

Having fought a long, hard campaign against the proposed development, Talladh-a-Bheithe the Trust is extremely disappointed at the recent decision by Scottish Energy wind farm campaign Minister Fergus Ewing to approve construction of the Stronelairg wind farm in the heart of one of the proposed Core Areas of Wild Land mapped by An application for a 24-turbine wind farm on land to Scottish Natural Heritage (but which has since been removed, see p1). the north of Loch Rannoch is expected to be submitted The largest wind farm ever approved in the Highland Council area, soon and the Trust anticipates that this will be of major the development by SSE will consist of 67 turbines, each 135 metres concern given its impact on wild land in the area, and high (the height of the Forth Road Bridge), spread over an area larger on the Trust’s nearby property at Schiehallion. This than Inverness. proposed development will be the latest in a series of “This development flies in the face of advice from Scottish Natural major developments impacting on wild land in the Heritage which objected to the development on the grounds that it area, from the Beauly-Denny transmission line to would destroy the character of one of Scotland’s key areas of wild land,” Griffin and Calliachar wind farms. A local objectors’ commented Helen McDade, the Trust’s head of policy. “SSE is a group website, Keep Rannoch Wild, provides links to powerful multinational company with its headquarters in Scotland, and further information about the project and outlines we know this project is worth many hundreds of millions to its steps that those concerned might take to oppose this shareholders. It is unfortunate that SSE’s views seem to hold greater development. www.keeprannochwild.org.uk sway over ministers than the opinions of the Scottish Government’s own expert body on the natural environment.” Following the decision, the Trust has written to the Scottish Energy Policy casework update Minister Fergus Ewing to express its deep disappointment about the decision. A copy of the letter can be viewed at http://bit.ly/1iDpREU Since February, the policy team has evaluated dozens of wind farm applications and identified those that are contrary to our policies. Specifically, we have objected to Creag a’ Bhaird (near Dunkeld), Calliachar Extension North Calliachar extension rejected (successful, see story opposite), Beinn Mhor (nr Glen Affric), Cruach Brenfield (Argyll), and have commented In contrast to the recent approval of Stronelairg, the Trust has welcomed the on Windy Standard 3 (Dumfries & Galloway), Beinneun decision by Perth & Kinross Council’s Development Management Committee to Extension (nr Fort Augustus), Aberarder (south of Loch reject an application for a further seven turbines at the North Calliachar wind Ness), Caplich (South Lanarkshire) and Millennium farm in Highland Perthshire. The Trust had submitted papers outlining its South (nr Invergarry). We are also actively pursuing the concerns about significant errors in the conclusions of the Planning Officer’s Cairn Duhie application (nr Nairn) by lobbying Highland Report regarding impact on three National Scenic Areas, Schiehallion and wild Council councillors and committee members. land; cumulative landscape and visual assessment; plus impacts on tourism In addition, we are looking to engage with Moray and local communities. Council and the Cairngorm National Park Planning The Trust was also concerned about inadequate time being scheduled to Committee to present a united front to the Highland hear community and objector views and raised its concerns about social and Council Planning Committee (South). Look out for more environmental injustice in an open letter to councillors ahead of the meeting. updates online as well as in our print communications. 06 MEMBERS’ NEWS

Boost for outdoor learning in England

England’s new National Curriculum, which comes into force in September, should allow more scope for incorporating outdoor learning approaches into everyday education – including use of the John Muir Award. The National Curriculum provides an outline of core education around which teachers are free to develop exciting and stimulating lessons. Its aim is to promote the development of pupils’ knowledge, understanding and skills, while also providing time within the school day to range beyond the National Curriculum. It is already well recognised that outdoor learning experiences can enrich Award participants from Noranside a curriculum, with the John Muir Award Open Estate Prison on a visit to the a perfect tool for helping teachers Cairngorms National Park deliver hands-on learning beyond the Ser v i c e Pri s on s h S c otti p h: Photogra classroom. As one teacher from Garrett Hall Primary School near Wigan commented: Engagement with all “The new curriculum allows us more freedom to design learning in a way which we feel suits our school and The John Muir Award has produced a new ‘inclusion’ resource that pupils – so we’re heading outdoors! demonstrates how the Award engages with people from all backgrounds The John Muir Award will really enhance what we’ve got planned.” A new resource produced by the John Muir health, unemployment or other factors); For more on how the John Muir Award team, ‘Inclusion, Wild Places and case studies from inclusion sectors on how Award can contribute to learning in the John Muir Award’, reinforces the the Award works; how it contributes to schools, see http://bit.ly/1njMiAB message that social circumstances should national policy; and, of course, how to not be a barrier to opportunities to get involved. experience wild places. Engaging with people from all Urban jungle Aimed at a broad audience – from schools, backgrounds has been at the very heart youth work and mental health support to of the Award since its beginnings in 1997 and The John Muir Trust has signed up as a addiction recovery and those engaging with today, even with substantial year-on-year Friend of the Greater London National at-risk families or ex-offenders – the resource growth throughout the UK, at least one in Park*, the world’s first urban national highlights how those working in both public four Awards are achieved by people park (*officially a Notional Park). It’s an and third sector areas can use the Award experiencing some form of disadvantage. inspiring initiative that draws attention as a tool to engage and inspire hard-to- More than 300 organisations across to the idea of national parks, as well as reach-audiences. the UK that are dedicated to supporting celebrating the area’s beauty, wildlife The document provides further people who experience some form of and cultural heritage. See who else is information on who is already using the disadvantage already use the John Muir a Friend at http://bit.ly/LondonNP, Award in relation to inclusion themes; why it Award ... although we’d love to work with sign up yourself, and join the campaign is used to support people experiencing even more. The inclusion document can be to make London the world’s first disadvantage (be it through ethnicity, age, read in full at http://bit.ly/1n1CGeT National Park City.

What if Muir was on Twitter?

This year has really seen John Muir leap to prominence in Scotland, with a long-distance trail, a festival, a conference … not to mention a recent trend for fine beards (ok, that might just be coincidence). But what does the younger generation really make of a man who left Dunbar for America aged 10, became an adventurer and conservation visionary, helped set up the National Parks movement, and died 100 years ago? We asked them – and discovered some fascinating facts, interesting insights, and whether Muir’s message has relevance to young John Muir revisits Dunbar beach, 165 years on… people today. Watch John Muir – Back to the Future, a five- ll M c Douga R ob p h: Photogra minute film created by the Trust at http://vimeo.com/95260067 07

New Wild Space exhibition

Visitors to the Wild Space visitor centre in Pitlochry this summer will be treated to a wonderful exhibition that runs until the end of July

A spectacular collection of acrylic and mixed media paintings on canvas exploring the changeable mood iz green l iz ture:

and character of some of the wildest landscapes in p i c the Highlands and Islands is the latest Triple buttress of Coire Mhic Fhearchair exhibition to be unveiled at the Trust’s Wild Space visitor centre. “We have been blown away by the quality Entitled ‘In-Sight: Horizons that Inspire’, of this exhibition,” commented Jane the exhibition offers a new perspective on Grimley, Wild Space manager. “We have landscape by artist-ecologist, Liz Green held a number of photographic and art (pictured right). Self-taught, a long career exhibitions since the Wild Space opened last as a field plant ecologist has developed year, and we’re confident the public will love her eye for pattern, subtle changes in the drama and colour of In-Sight.” colour, hidden clues of past land ‘In-Sight: Horizons that Inspire’ by Liz management and a strong emotional Green is on show at the Wild Space until connection to landscape. 31 July. www.jmt.org/wildspace.asp

Thank you, thank you Legacies:

The Trust would like to say a big Perpetua (Pip) Pope, thank you to Wilderness Scotland for 29 May, 1916 – 31 May, 2013 its support as a Gold Corporate Member. Staff from the leading TRU S T adventure travel organisation The death, at the age of 97, worked recently with our M UIR of Perpetua (Pip) Pope in

conservation officer Don O’Driscoll J OHN : 2013 was a sad loss. A on an epic day (and night) of fence hugely gifted painter of removal in . Director Paul Scotland’s wild and remote Easto also dropped by the Wild areas, Pip was also a P H P HOTOGRA Space in Pitlochry to present us with Paul Easto (right) and Trust chief executive long-standing member a share of the company’s profits – a Stuart Brooks in the Wild Space visitor centre and great supporter of the very generous cheque for £2,000. Trust. She once said of her Hats off also to Dan Duxbury who he reached the summit of Ben Hope work: “I have tried to paint recently finished a round of the at 8.22 this morning (read more at the intense pleasure I get from being in the Munros in just 42 days, 23 hours and http://danmunro2014.blogspot. Highlands and Islands of Scotland. I don’t want to 52 minutes. Here’s what we wrote co.uk). And also huge thanks to paint views particularly, it’s more the feeling of about his endeavour on Facebook: everyone who supported his freedom – the changing light, the subtle colour of ‘Mission complete! Many fundraising for the Trust (www. the countryside, the sand blown by the wind, the congratulations to Dan Duxbury who justgiving.com/danduxbury) ... wild flowers, the machair and the sand dunes and has finished his Munro Round when heroes one and all!’ always the feeling of space and air.” The work of the Trust depends on gifts and legacies, and we’re always grateful for donations Welcome to our newest subscribers that allow us to continue protecting and looking after some of Scotland’s finest wild places. If the Skye-based Murdo, Katy and their father are among the latest people to sign time is ever right for you to consider up for our monthly newsletter and win a goody bag when their names were remembering the John Muir Trust in your will, picked in our prize draw. Ten-year-old Murdo is already a committed please contact Adam Pinder on 0131 554 0114, environmentalist and attends events and outings with the RSPB Skylarks or [email protected] whenever possible. He also helps out with the family’s Highland cows on For much more on Pip’s work, see their croft which forms part of a corncrake and bee scheme under the SRDP. www.scottish-gallery.co.uk/artist/perpetua_pope 08 MEMBERS’ NEWS

All go at Glen Tanar and Mar Lodge Local Members’ Groups forthcoming events

The North East Group’s Scottish Borders monthly conservation 7 July Guided tour of the in-river hydro scheme near Selkirk by Sir work parties at Glen Michael Strang-Steel. Contact: John Thomas [email protected] Tanar on Royal Deeside Edinburgh achieved much over the 15 November Annual Gathering, with guest speakers Helen McDade, spring months, including the Trust’s head of policy, Denis Mollison, former trustee, and author clearing winter flood Peter Wright. Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh. debris from riverside Contact: Richard Ellis, [email protected]

ll B rownhi paths and planting tree North East Scotland plugs on a small flood 19 July, 16 August, 20 September Glen Tanar work parties. defence embankment Contact: [email protected] near the Braeloine 25 September Guest speaker Shaila Rao, ecologist at Mar Lodge, Visitor Centre. Taylor Building, Aberdeen University. Contact: [email protected]

m e s Ja p h: Photogra The longer days also North West Scotland A large section of fence comes down at Mar Lodge allowed work higher up 27 July Wild flower walk. Meet at Sheigra Cemetery car park. the glen which, to our Contact: [email protected] or call 01571 833241 delight, turned out to be close to a event. It was a great success, with Forum – date to be confirmed (see e-newsletter and website for more details). well-populated black grouse lek. significant sections of deer fence In May, we returned to the remote removed from now mature planted North West England top of the glen – the lower slopes woodland, plus a day of tree 11 October Inaugural meeting for new members’ Group, Bryce of Mount Keen – to repair some of ringing in areas of planted forest. Institute, Burneside, Kendal (preceded by a work party in Hardknott Forest). Contact: [email protected] the small deer exclosures that Finally, the North East Group had been planted more than 15 would like to thank Chris Southern England years ago. Goodman, Trust footpaths officer, 19 October Welsh waterfalls walk, meet at the Cwm Porth car park. Group volunteers also returned for a fantastic illustrated talk in Contact: [email protected] 15 November Southern Members Gathering, Arnolfini Gallery, Bristol. to the National Trust for Scotland’s March about his walk across the Contact: [email protected] Mar Lodge Estate for a two-day Haute Pyrenees.

Sugar Loaf outing Philiphaugh talk enthralls Borders group

The South West England The Borders Group saw a good turnout of power station in the Yarrow last year, the Members Group enjoyed a members and friends at the end of January audience was engrossed throughout. fabulous outing in May with a for a talk on enlightened management of the Sir Michael also explained how he had added walk over Sugar Loaf in the Philiphaugh Estate by Sir Michael Strang- tourism and renewable energy (not wind, but Welsh borders. Eschewing the Steel. With the presentation covering hydro) to the more traditional farming, forestry tourist route, we climbed everything from the 13th century origins and sporting activities of the estate, plus his through impressive Atlantic of this wonderful estate near Selkirk to the commitment to the care and maintenance of oakwoods to the Deri ridge complexities of installing a 200kw in-river the landscape around Selkirk. from where we spied a superb show of May blossom and noted regeneration of birch, Follow us online willow and rowan – all the time serenaded by skylark, meadow The Trust is increasingly engaging with people month and is a great way to keep up-to-date pipit, stonechat and willow online via our website (www.jmt.org), monthly with developments. If a member of the Trust, warbler. enews and social media such as Facebook and sign up by sending an email to keith.anderson@ At 596m, the summit Twitter (follow us @JohnMuirTrust). We have jmt.org and quoting your membership number, provided panoramic views, 10,000 more unique website visitors per month or you can sign up on the front page of our including the Brecon Beacons now than we did two years ago, while Twitter website, in our Wild Space visitor centre, or at to the west and Blorenge, with has leapt from 411 followers in 2010 to more an event. You can also receive your Journal and its interesting industrial history, than 11,000 today. Our monthly enews is Members’ News electronically – please just to the south. Wandering back delivered to more than 7,000 people every email [email protected] down, crossing the boundary bank of an ancient deer park, we were greeted with carpets The John Muir Trust Members’ News Editor: Richard Rowe of bluebells in the woods above Tell us your news! is printed on Revive 100 Uncoated Design: CMYK Design which is an FCS-certified recycled Print: Thomson Colour Parc Lodge, and also grade paper, containing 100% post encountered evidence of What have Trust members and consumer waste and manufactured at local groups been up to? Tell a mill accredited with ISO 14001 © John Muir Trust 2014 sympathetic land management environmental management standard. in the form of a flock of us your news and stories. Call The pulp used in this product is Iona on 01796 470080 or email bleached using an Elemental Chlorine Greylag goose (Anser anser) ‘conservation grade’ Hebridean Free process. We use a Scottish pair on edge of loch near sheep. Altogether, it was a [email protected] printer with excellent environmental nesting site, Scotland, credentials. Mark Hamblin/2020VISION really enjoyable day, with good company, great weather and The John Muir Trust is a Scottish charitable company limited by guarantee. Charity No. SC002061. Company No. SCO81620 abundant animal and plant life. Registered office: Tower House, Station Road, Pitlochry PH16 5AN